Believers with an orthodox understanding of faith would likely agree that God has spoken through His Word (Scripture) and most especially through His Son our Lord.
If I asked whether you believe God currently and continuously speaks, I should think you would be prone to affirm this as well.
So, the question becomes: How do you go about listening for God’s speaking?
Contemplative speaking is a good avenue for this listening. I say is “a” good avenue, because there are several ways for believers to listen for indications from God, including basic reading of Scripture and religious writings; group Bible studies or prayer meetings; sermons, lectures or special weekends; directed or undirected retreats; or consulting a friend who seems to have a grasp of spiritual things. These are all legitimate ways to listen for God’s presence.
It is important, then, that we get on with the actual listening experience in the next few days, or I will fall prey to the common mistake of talking about contemplative reading but not doing that much of it.
I do want to give one more snippet from Guigo II, to show how he ties the four “rungs” of his ladder together:
“Reading is the careful study of the Scriptures, concentrating all one’s powers on it. Meditation is the busy application of the mind to seek with the help of one’s own reason for knowledge of hidden truth. Prayer is the heart’s devoted turning to God to drive away evil and obtain what is good. Contemplation is when the mind is in some sort lifted up to God and held above itself so that it tastes the joys of everlasting sweetness.” (Ladder, Page 68)
“Reading is an exercise of the outward senses; meditation is concerned with the inward understanding; prayer is concerned with desire; contemplation outstrips every faculty.” (Pp 79, 80)
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2 comments:
I thought somebody should comment on your blog Tim, just to let you know that it is being read.
David,
Thanks. I am hoping to very soon get the practical exercises going, so people can share what they glean from their experiences in the presence of God and His Word. This could facilitate some more lively interaction.
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